NYS Food Stamp Income Guidelines
- In New York State, individuals or families must make less than a certain amount of money each year to receive stamps. The amount of income that a household can make will depend on the number of people in the household: the more people in the household, the more money it can make. For example, an individual can make a maximum of $14,088 per year, while a family of four can make a maximum of $28,668.
- Households with people who are elderly and disabled can make more money and still be eligible for food stamps. This is based on the idea that it will take more money to care for people with disabilities or age-related health problems. A single elderly individual can make up to $21,660 per year and remain eligible, while a family of four with a disabled or elderly member can make up to $44,100 per year.
- The term "income" refers to the amount of money the household makes before taxes are applied. This can refer to money derived from a job, or money received from other government benefits, such as unemployment insurance, public assistance, SSI benefits and Social Security retirement benefits. However, a number of expenses can also be deducted from this income, such as child support payments made to a child who does not currently live in the household.
- Historically, applicants for food stamps have also had to pass a resources test, meaning that they must have less than a certain amount of assets to qualify. As of January 1, 2008, applicants in New York State did not have to pass a resources test, so long as they had never been suspended from the program before. Applicants who had previously been suspended from the program were not allowed to have more than $2000 in assets.
